Pet Safe Weed Killer

Nowadays, a whole array of pet safe products are available in the market, so that you can ensure the safety of your pets, to a great extent. They include pet friendly fences, doors, plants, etc. Even fertilizers, pesticides and weed killers have to be chosen in such a way that these products do not cause any harm to your much-loved pet. It may happen that exposure to the chemicals in any of these products may cause health problems in pets. If you have a yard or garden, then use of these products is indispensable. If your pet is not allowed in these regions, then there is no danger. Otherwise, you have to be cautious while applying store-bought fertilizers, pesticides or weed killers. You may either prevent your pet from entering the yard or garden or use pet safe products.

Home Remedies

If you are not interested in using synthetic weed killers, then try natural and homemade ones. Homemade weed killers can be made at home with some easily available materials. This way, you can also save some money. The following are a few methods of using some household items as weed killers, which are also pet safe.

Weed Killer with Vinegar
Use a mixture of two parts boiling water and one part vinegar and spray it on the weeds. For tougher weeds, this mixture should be used repeatedly. You can even add some clove oil or lemon to increase the potency. If the area to be covered is small, then use a spray of plain white vinegar. Vinegar is available in different strengths - 5% (regular), 10% (pickling) and 20%. It is better to use 5% or 10% vinegar, as 20% is very strong and can be harmful.

Boiling Water Treatment
As we all know boiling water can kill most of the plants. This applies to weeds too. Take some plain boiling water and pour it over the weeds, in order to kill them instantly. Make sure that the area does not have any other plant (other than weeds), as boiling water is capable of killing them too. You can pour the water over the entire sidewalk, driveway or patio. This method is also beneficial in eradicating weeds which grow in crevices. After the treatment, spread cornmeal in the area to prevent regrowth of weeds.

Use Sugar/Salt/Cornmeal
Apart from vinegar, there are certain culinary items that are used for pet safe weed control. This include salt, sugar and cornmeal. Add some salt or sugar to the base of the weeds. Adding equal amount of chili pepper to sugar will be ward off your pets from eating it. Addition of salt makes the soil unsuitable for the growth of plants and so, it is advisable to apply salt in those areas, where you do not want any plant to thrive. Salt is a good choice for driveways or patios. Even those weeds in the crevices can be killed with salt. Cornmeal can also be used as a pet friendly weed killer. It can be applied to the cracks and crevices in sideways and patios to prevent the emergence of weeds. It is better to use cornmeal before spring, in order to prevent the seeds of the weeds from germinating. Make sure that the cornmeal does not harm other plants.

Homemade Pet Safe Weed Killer Recipes
Make a solution of one gallon water, one gallon bleach, teaspoon dish soap. This mixture is found to be somewhat effective in killing weeds. Another method is to mix a gallon of vinegar with a teaspoon of liquid soap and a cup of orange oil. You may also try a mixture of one gallon vinegar and a container of salt. A gallon of boiling water mixed with half-gallon vinegar, salt and liquid soap can be used for killing weeds.

Apart from these, there are some methods like soil solarization that can be tried for getting rid of weeds. But, this method will not prove useful for removing weeds in established gardens or lawns. You can resort to this method, if you want to eliminate weeds from a large area, before growing plants. As per this method, you have to prepare the ground and water thoroughly, before covering the entire area with clear, plastic tarpaulin. The thickness of the tarpaulin must be between .001 to .004 inches and they must be spread, just above the soil surface. Secure the tarpaulin to the ground and leave them like that for at least two months. This will result in heating of the soil with solar energy, thereby killing the weeds. Some people use landscape fabric for this purpose.

Tips to Choose a Commercial Weed Killer

If possible, the best method is to remove the weeds manually. However, this method may be impractical in many cases. As mentioned above, using commercial weed killers is one of the easiest methods of eliminating weeds. All you have to do is get one from the nearby garden supplies store and apply it. However, this may not be advisable, if you have pets, who frequent these areas. If you still want to use synthetic ones instead of the natural weed killers, you must try to choose the safest products. Here are some guidelines that may help you in this task.

• The first and foremost thing to do is to go through the list of ingredients in the product. If you find any offensive ingredient in the list, refrain from buying that product.
• As far as the list of ingredients is concerned, it may happen that some manufacturers do not disclose each and every ingredient in the list. So, there is no use in going through it.
• Another point is that you must have a basic idea about those ingredients that are harmful. Ingredients like carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and chloroethane are carcinogens that have to be avoided.
• You must also avoid using weed killers with ingredients like ' 2,4-D', which is said to be highly toxic in nature. It is always advisable to buy a pet safe weed killer after thorough research.
• So, it may not be possible for all to determine which is the best weed killer. To be on the safer side, buy those products that are certified (as pet safe) by veterinarians or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

It will be better to consult a horticulturist, so as to gain some knowledge about the correct usage and effectiveness of these methods. It may also happen that specific weed killers are effective for certain weeds only. However, natural and homemade weed killers are always preferable than synthetic ones.

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Canine Glaucoma

Similar to glaucoma in humans, glaucoma is an eye disease which is characterized by an increasing pressure in the eyes. This increased pressure sets due to the build up of aqueous humor (the limpid fluid within the eyeball between the cornea and the lens). Unlike any healthy animal, those affected with glaucoma, suffer from a malfunction in a circular filter which is responsible for draining out the aqueous humor. This filter is located at the junction of the clear cornea and white sclera (the whitish fibrous membrane [albuginea] which with the cornea forms the outer covering and protection of the eyeball). So, this malfunction in the filter obstructs the outflow and results in the buildup of fluid within the eye. There are two types of canine glaucoma; primary and secondary. The primary one occurs without any injury or trauma to the eyes and it may be a case of the dog's genetic predisposition for glaucoma. The later one is considered to occur due to inflammation, lens luxation (displacement or misalignment of lens), tumors inside the eye or trauma to the organ.

Canine Glaucoma Symptoms

Symptoms begin with mild redness in the eyes, which may mimic conjunctivitis. The affected dog develops sensitivity to light and the eyes may be painful and remain squinted most of the time. Liquid discharge from the eye may also be noticed, apart from the eyes beginning to look cloudy. Other symptoms may be enlarged size of the eye, dilated pupil, tearing and vision loss.

Treatment Plan

Glaucoma when diagnosed in its early stage, has all chances of being cured and prevented from progressing to vision loss. This disease demands hasty treatment, as it gets worse rapidly with time and thus, increases the risk of blindness all the more. Medical or surgical options are included in the treatment of the condition.

Drugs which are administered, are centered towards curbing the production of fluid within the eye and to encourage the drainage. The inflammation within the eye is also attempted to be taken care of with medication. These medicines include, both topical treatments such as eye drops and oral such as pills or injections.

Surgical treatment of glaucoma is required in an event, wherein, the condition is not responding to the use of standard medications. For primary glaucoma, the surgery involves getting rid of the area within the eye, which is responsible for producing aqueous humor. This is achieved by means of cryotherapy or laser therapy. Another procedure of inserting tubing with a valve into the eye in order to bypass the drainage, is also included in glaucoma treatment. However, all such procedure is suitable for dogs having some vision left in their eyes and not for those who have become blind.

For secondary canine glaucoma, doctors perform surgery to correct the lens luxation. If the cause of the condition is a tumor, then a surgery to remove the eye known as enucleation, is opted. Enucleation is also performed in cases, wherein, the condition is showing no improvements with medications or surgery. Evisceration, a surgical removal of ocular contents is also a possibility in some cases. The removed eye may be replaced by a prosthetic eye.

As said, early diagnosis of glaucoma can keep your dog from getting blind. For this it is required that you keep a close check on the different kinds of symptoms as mentioned above. Do not comprehend that the symptoms will subside by themselves or wait for them to get worse over time. At the slightest hint of any of these symptoms, consult a vet as early as possible. This would not only save a fortune but most importantly, help your beloved pet to stay away from severe discomfort and suffering from permanent blindness in future.

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Ten Most Endangered Australian Marsupials

Australian Marsupials - Fighting for their Existence

Pouched Australian Native Animals

Australia has a number of endemic species that are doing it tough at the moment.

Marsupials in particular are having a battle retaining their place in the web of life. Marsupials are animals whose babies are born in an underdeveloped state and who finish their growth in a pouch. The following are regarded as Australia's ten most endangered marsupial species.

1 The bridled nail-tail wallaby is named for the 'bridle' formed by markings on the head and forequarters. A distinct white line runs from the back of the neck to behind the forelimbs. It is an attractive small wallaby with white stripes along the sides of the face and a dorsal black stripe right down the length of the back. The rest of the body is a light tan. The 'nail-tail' comes from the horny 'nail' or spur at the tip of the tail. This is between 3 and 6mm long and is partially concealed by hair. Its purpose is not clear.

Its scientific name is Onychogalea fraenata. It was once common from north of Charters Towers, Queensland, south to north-western Victoria and west to the Great Dividing Range.It is now found in only 5% of its previous range. It was thought to be extinct until a small colony was found in central Queensland near Dingo. It has now been re-introduced to several areas including the Scotia Sanctuary in western NSW. Its main threats are predation by foxes, cats and wild dogs, habitat loss and competition from domestic livestock and rabbits.

2 The brush-tailed rock wallaby (Petrogale penicillata)(above) is now found only in fragmented pockets of southern Queensland and Victoria. The recent bushfires have all but wiped out the Victorian populations. Threats include predation by foxes, cats and wild dogs, habitat loss and competition from domestic livestock and rabbits. Road kill accounts for a sizeable number where a road bisects its territory in Queensland.

In 2003, a population was discovered on Kawai Island, New Zealand. These were designated for culling as feral animals but 30 were rescued and returned to New South Wales and Victoria.

3 The eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii)(above) is a nocturnal marsupial. Although once common across south-eastern Australia, it exists in reasonable numbers only in Tasmania. Destruction of the animals' grassland habitat has resulted in the decline in numbers, hastened by the introduction of predators such as dogs and cats.

4 The eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus)(above) was once called a native cat because of its size and appearance. However it is smaller than a cat and no relation. It is a small, nocturnal black or brown marsupial. Its coat is marked with small, white spots. The ears are large and it has a pink nose. Quolls are important carnivores (mainly) as they act as scavengers, eating insects and small animals. They will also eat grass and fruit. The quoll is a courageous animal, quite happy to scavenge around feeding Tasmanian devils. Foxes are the main threat to the eastern quoll. They were found throughout the south-eastern parts of mainland Australia but are now confined to Tasmania.

5 Another small marsupial is Gilbert's potoroo (Potorous gilbertii)(above). A decent bushfire or drought could result in the extinction of this little fellow which is found only in a small area of dense scrub on Western Australia's southern coast. It is Australia's rarest mammal with only 30 to 40 remaining. This rat-kangaroo was thought to be extinct until being rediscovered at Two Peoples Bay near Albany. Long-nosed potoroos are being used as foster mothers to maximise survival rates and it is possible a colony will be set up on Bald Island.

6 The Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harisii)(above) is very distinctive with a very dark coat and a white band across the chest. The male reaches about 90cm in length (this includes the tail) and weighs over 8kg. The female is quite a bit smaller. The Tasmanian devil has a head like a dog with large, pinkish-red ears. They have an exceptionally acute sense of smell and can pick the scent of carrion from many kilometres away. This animal uses as log, cave or disused burrow as a den and emerges at night to scavenge and forage. While fierce by nature, the main diet is carrion. The jaws are powerful enough to break up very large bones. In recent years, the Tasmanian devil has been beset by devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), an aggressive, transmissible cancer which has ravaged wild populations, sometimes with a 100% mortality rate.

7 The long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus tridactylus)(above) is one of the smallest and most ancient of the kangaroo family. The south-east mainland form is under severe threat from feral predators and habitat destruction. The potoroo lives in dense scrub and the understorey of grassy woodlands. It plays an important role in the ecology of soils and grasses in particular.

8 The central mainland form of the mala or rufous hare wallaby (Lagorchestes hirsutus)(above) is believed to be in the top three most critically endangered animals. It is a somewhat shaggy, reddish wallaby which now considered extinct in the wild. The remaining representatives live in protected areas in wildlife parks and zoos.

9 The northern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii)(above) is the most endangered of the three wombat species. There is only one group of about 113 animals in Epping Forest National Park in eastern Queensland. Clearing has destroyed much of its habitat, sheep and cattle compete for food and dingoes are partial to a wombat when they're hungry. At the park, a dingo-proof fence has been erected. Supplementary feed and water stations help offset the effects of local droughts which impact on older animals and lactating mothers.

10 The numbat or banded anteater (above) was once found right across southern Australia in all habitats including desert regions. Its scientific name is Myrmecobius fasciatus. It is the mammal emblem of Western Australia. The introduction of the fox had a devastating impact on numbats in particular and Australian native small mammals in general. It is estimated that there were less than 200 numbats left in 1982. The numbat is the only marsupial that is insectivorous. It is small, about 24cm long with black and gold stripes and a flashy, bushy tail. It is diurnal and eats only termites. The tongue is long and sticky but the claws are not really strong enough to break open termite mounds. However the numbat has a strong sense of smell and snuffles along until it finds the underground track that termites use to go to and fro from their nest to the feeding site. The numbat then digs into the shallow tunnel to feed.

These creatures are unique to Australia and Tasmania. What a dreadful calamity it would be if they were to become extinct.

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Pug Names and Meanings

Pugs are small dogs that have originated in China. They are one of the oldest breeds of dogs that had been popular even before 400 BC. They were kept as pets by the Buddhist monasteries of Tibet. The pugs then made an appearance in Japan and Europe. Their popularity reached the heights when they became pet dogs of Prince William II, who became the King of England. A pug is a fashionable breed for those fashion conscious people, who want to own a dog.

Pugs are often described by a phrase 'multum in parvo', that is, 'a lot of dog in a small space'. Pugs have even-tempers and playful personalities. They are outgoing and have loving dispositions. They have different coat colors like fawn, silver fawn, apricot fawn or black. This square and cobby breed has its signature 'mask' on the muzzle. If you are a proud owner or soon to be a proud owner of a pug and are searching for some good pug names and meanings, then this article will prove to be very useful.

Names for Pugs
When choosing names for pugs, it is very important to choose a name that matches the personality of each individual pug. The name for pug should be short and easily understandable. Their names not only tell a lot about the dog, but also reflect the choice, taste and style of the dog owner. The name should not be similar to a command like Fay (stay) or Rum (run) and should be a mono or bisyllabic word. It should not be similar or matching the name of any member or other pet of the family as it may create confusion. This is a little about choosing names for pugs, the following will help you choose the right one for your canine friend.

Pug Puppy Names Males

• Willis - Resolute protector
• Pouch - Small or big sack
• Stumpy - Short, thickset person
• Shorty - Less than average size
• Chibi - Small
• Bozo - Fool
• Buster - Someone who breaks something
• Dash - To move in haste
• Jerky - Type of cured meat or silly
• Migraine - Someone who gives you a headache
• Sniff - A short inhalation through the nose to investigate smell
• Tic Tak - Small oval sweet candies
• Wags - Move tail briskly side to side
• Woofer - Loudspeaker that produces bass sounds
• Xerox - A exactly same copy of something

Pug Puppy Names Females

• Aussie - Short for Australian
• Bitty - Small, like fragments
• Bo - Precious one
• Bow - Type of ribbon knot
• Bubbly - Someone who is enthusiastic in nature.
• Chain - Someone connected with bonds
• Liberty - Condition of being free
• Miss Chevious - Mischievous
• Rolly - Someone chubby
• Spice - A spicy flavor added to food
• Topaz - Yellow gemstone
• Wuffy - Combination of something white and fluffy
• Pixie - A playful, mischievous fairytale creature

Pug Dog Names Male

• Waye - Friend
• Duby - Dark Faced
• Hey - Winter
• Covell - Lives at the cave slope
• Noe - Comfort
• Curt - Abbreviation of Curtis
• Ness - From headland
• Chimaka - God is splendid
• Edward - Strong as a boar
• Claec - Dark
• Jud - Praised
• Elton - From the old town

Pug Dog Names Female

• Collena - Girl
• Ashly - Meadow of ash trees
• Dezarae - Very much desired
• Jakiara - Unknown
• Alisz - Sweet
• Maite - Love
• Manal - Achieve
• Betty - Devoted to God
• Ainslee - My meadow
• Glenna - Of the glen
• Huberta - Intelligent
• Arleta - Oath
• Waqi - Falling
• Astra - Star
• Mariska - Bitter

Interesting Pug Facts

• Pugs ranked 14 in the American Kennel Club, top 50 list of dog breeds for 2001.
• Pugs make wonderful companions for the elderly and are great pets for young children as well.
• Pugs really like to have a good meal and a soft lap to sleep.
• Male pugs are couch potato types and have a laid back attitude. Female pugs are better alert dogs and are more independent and aloof than the male dogs.
• Fawn colored pugs have markings around the ears that covers their entire face.
• Fawn pugs are known for their excessive shedding.
• Black pugs are thought to have been existed, as early as 1700's. A black pug was painted by William Hogarth in one of his paintings of House of Cards (1730).
• During warm months, pugs need a lot of air conditioning, thus pant with their long tongues and noses, which provide more cooling area.
• Pugs have no cooling area and can die within 30 minutes in high temperatures and humid conditions.
• Pugs require regular grooming and care as due to their habit of sniffing everything around them, they get dirt stuck in the wrinkles on their face.
• Molly is the most common female pug dog name and Max the most popular male pug dog name in America.

These are a few pug names and meanings that you can use to christen your little pug. Pugs are cute and small animals and require dog care like any other dogs. When you bring home a pug, keep him as you would keep a family member. This 'lot of dog' in small space will create lot of love and affection for himself in your heart.

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Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase in Dogs

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) encompasses a group of enzymes, mainly secreted by the liver and bone, which are active in a non-acidic (alkaline) phase. Other body parts that are responsible for the production of alkaline phosphatase are kidney, placenta, and the intestinal lining. By elevated alkaline phosphatase, we mean that the amount of ALP is higher than the recommended levels. Similar to humans, elevated alkaline phosphatase in dogs can be related to certain health problems.

Causes

The exact reasons for elevated alkaline phosphatase in pet dogs are not known as yet. In majority of cases, this abnormality is related to liver problems and bone diseases. It is estimated that a pet dog showing very high amounts of ALP has more than 50 percent chances of developing liver and bone diseases. The prime causes of increased ALP are underlying diseases, medicinal side effects, and being young dogs. Some of the causal factors related to an abnormal canine alkaline phosphatase are as follows.

Cushing's Disease
The most common dog illness associated with elevated alkaline phosphatase is Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism), which causes excess production of the hormone, adrenalin. To regulate the salt balance, the dog's body starts secreting high amounts of alkaline phosphatase.

Infectious Hepatitis
Infectious hepatitis is usually spread from one affected dog to another via direct contact or feeding on contaminated food. Over here, the invading parasites attack the liver, which in turn causes elevation of alkaline phosphatase and other hepatic enzymes.

Nodular Hyperplasia
Hepatic nodular hyperplasia is a benign liver disorder that results in abnormal secretion of alkaline phosphatase in dogs. It is a chronic condition and usually, remains asymptomatic till the final stages. Hence, an early diagnosis of nodular hyperplasia is very difficult in most cases.

Other Causal Reasons
In some cases, administration of corticosteroids and certain other medications for a prolonged period causes increased alkaline phosphatase levels. The enzyme activity is at its peak in puppies, hence they usually have higher levels. Also, certain dog breeds tend to develop benign tumor at the age of 9 - 10 years, which is characterized by a marked increase in the ALP levels.

Some of the noticeable symptoms for elevated alkaline phosphatase in pet dogs include general discomfort, lethargy, jaundice, weakness, and pain. Also, there are asymptomatic cases too. After all, the liver organ is capable of performing normal functions, unless it is severely damaged. In addition to high alkaline phosphatase in dogs, there are also cases of abnormally low levels of ALP. In general, a very low amount of alkaline phosphatase is a genetic defect that results in bone defects and liver problems.

Overview

Elevated alkaline phosphatase in pets is diagnosed by conducting a blood test. At the time of injury and other normal activities, this enzyme is released into the bloodstream. Though a blood test determines the high level of alkaline phosphatase in the body, it is not effective to identify the source of elevation. Hence, correct differential diagnostic methods (like affinity electrophoresis) are essential to check whether the defect is in the bone or the liver. The vet may also check for jaundice, pancreatitis, dog liver cancer, and other liver problems.

If routine blood tests show a slight increase of alkaline phosphatase from the normal level, then there is no need for therapeutic intervention. However, if the level is significantly high, the vet may suggest certain dog care tips, including monitoring and amending its feeding habits along with routine medical checkups. Timely treatment of the pets with elevated alkaline phosphatase is necessary, if there is an increased risk for severe complications. The methodology for the treatment of an elevated alkaline phosphatase depends upon the diagnostic result and the overall dog's health.

Based on the underlying cause, the vet may prescribe specific medication for elevated liver enzymes in dogs. In order to promote the liver health, liver medications are advocated. The sick pet should be fed with low sodium dog food, and foods that contain simple carbohydrates and fatty acids. Doing so ensures that the liver is not overtaxed during the process of digestion. With correct medications for elevated alkaline phosphatase and proper care from your side, you can make your pet comfortable and increase its life expectancy.

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Grooming Afghan Hound

If you have ever seen an Afghan Hound, you will probably realize why it is given so much importance. Being almost 3 feet tall and carrying a body which is about 60 pounds, this graceful dog is known to be one of the oldest breeds among the sight-hound dogs. The Afghan Hound is blessed with a thick and silky coat of fur because it originated in the cold mountains of Afghanistan. There are various colors which are found in their skin coats like golden, white, fawn, gray, brindle, all of which make this creature look truly majestic and royal.

The Afghan Hound is an introvert by nature and needs its space, and is also known as one of the dignified dog breeds. However, they are also the happy and jovial kinds when they are in a playful mood. Grooming Afghan Hounds is a necessity as they have very thick long hair which needs to be groomed and taken care of. Thus, if you are looking for tips on caring and grooming for your Afghan Hound, we have a few mentioned in the coming up paragraphs, take a look.

Grooming Your Afghan Hound

If you have an Afghan Hound as a pet dog, you will surely need to hire a full-time caretaker or do the job! Well, this is because, these dogs, also known to be the "King of Dogs", are very high maintenance. They need care and grooming for most of the day. They are also one of those pet dogs which prefer to be indoors, and are not very active outdoors. Afghan Hounds have very thick, silky and soft hair all over the body, which needs to be maintained 24/7. Therefore, if you thinking of adopting one of these, or already have one, make sure you are thorough with a few basic dog grooming tips required for grooming. For your convenience, we have put together some of these grooming tips for Afghan Hound in the paragraphs below. Keep reading!

Tips on Afghan Hound Grooming

• As mentioned earlier, the long silky tresses of an Afghan Hound require high levels of maintenance and dog care. This is because they can get knots and tangles very often due to wind or even humidity.
• You have to keep grooming Afghan Hounds ever week, and make sure their hair is in perfect shape if you want their coats to look shiny and healthy.
• One of the most important things you need to take care of is that, their hair are not supposed to be trimmed or clipped anywhere on the body or on the head. This rule applies for puppies as well as adult dogs. But they can be trimmed around the leg cuffs once in a while.
• They need to be bathed at least once in the week, with the best dog grooming tools like shampoos and conditioners. Try not to use soap on their coats as that might lead to dryness of their hair texture.
• After bathing, you can occasionally blow dry the coat, but not every time. Let it dry naturally, and then brush the hair as lightly and simply as you can.
• You will require a few grooming equipment like a pin brush, dog comb with wide teeth and a misting water bottle with very little conditioner or de-tangling mixture added. Even if there are knots, release them very gently by first spraying the coat with this mixture and slowly brushing the coat.
• Another very important of dog grooming tip is, while de-tangling the coat of an Afghan Hound, make sure you brush the hair from the roots to the ends and never vice versa. You can use the wide toothed comb first and then the brush.
• Use only dog grooming products, never human products on your dog's hair as there is a vast difference in both, and it might lead to excessive shedding or knotting of the dog's hair.

With these easy tips, I am sure you have found some useful ways on maintaining lovely soft tresses of hair on your dog. Taking your dog to the groomers can be quite an expensive investment, so why not use these tips and enjoy taking care of your pet!

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Evolution of Dogs

Dogs are regarded to be one of the oldest friends of men and they have been revered in many civilizations. Right from Egyptians to Greeks, everywhere dogs have been held with high regards for their faithfulness and intelligence. The Greek philosopher Socrates described his dog as a "true philosopher". The evolution of dogs is a subject of great research amongst zoologists. Over the course of thousands of years, dogs have evolved in many forms and they have spread all across the world. Being present in almost all major civilizations, they have been transferred to all parts of the world, leading to tremendous number of breeds. Numerous kinds of dogs have been crossed to produce different dogs, with varied characteristics.

History and Evolution of Dogs

A large number of studies by different scientists have proved it that modern day dogs are descendants of wolves. It is said that tens of thousands of years ago, the domestication of wolves was an integral part of many civilizations in East Asia. In fact, nowadays, keeping wolves as pets is a hobby for many animal lovers. Wolves were useful for human establishments because they provided food, fur and security for crops from birds and other animals. Even some breeds of wolves were easy to interact with humans over the course of years. Some other prominent reasons in support of the evolution of dogs from wolves is that wolves share same habitats and hunting habits like dogs. It is said the cross breeding of different types of wolves led to more domesticated species of wolves, who were tolerant and social enough to stay in close proximity with humans.

Some possibly reasons for domestication of wolves have been given by archaeologists and animal scientists. As per their views, thousands of years ago, fierce wolves who posed threats for human communities were killed for security reasons. However, their cubs or small ones were not killed and they were allowed to grow up within the community. The cubs naturally grew up to be more domesticated and less violent. By living in communities of people as well as with other wolves, many species of wolves were domesticated. This is given as a major reason for evolution of dogs from different breeds of wolves.

Another reason that indicates the dog evolution from wolves is the same behavior when it comes to feeding habits. Many wild wolves had the habit of feeding on left over foods and also on bones at human camp sites. Dogs just like wolves have a craving for bones and even they also have habits of checking left over foods.

Some scientists agree to the fact that owing to large-scale domestication of cubs who grew into friendly wolves, the wilder population of wolves was shadowed. Moreover, owing to extensive cross breeding, there were genetic evolution amongst many breeds of wolves resulted in modern-day dogs. Also, many archaeologists have suggested that wolves had the habit of following migration patterns of humans, thereby bringing them closer to human settlements.

There have been significant differences in the characteristics of dogs over the thousands of years of evolutionary progress. Some of the most prominent features of dogs that have become completely different from wolves are the size of body, color changes in skin, shorter jaws, smaller teeth and shrinking of the brain. Wolves that existed thousands of years ago were excellent hunters and possessed amazing alertness levels.

However, evolution of dogs in the last thousands of years has made them less intelligent as compared to wolves. Similarly, wolves possess tail wagging habits only for some time, in dogs it is carried throughout the live. Certainly, evolution of dogs timeline, goes back to 15,000 years ago, when dogs were started to be domesticated. Their evolution is certainly a classic example of diversification of a single species into so many breeds.

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Fish Oil for Dogs

Fish oil has become immensely popular in the last few decades as it has been found out to be very effective in curing and controlling various diseases. The benefits of fish oil were highlighted, when it was found that the Greenland eskimos, despite consuming a high fat diet, had very low cases of heart diseases and other problems. After extensive research by medical experts it was found that the chemical composition of fish oil (fish being the staple food there) is the reason for this, and since then it has become popular worldwide.

Fish oil has innumerable health benefits for human beings, however now, it has also been found that fish oil is equally good for pets like cats and dogs. Fish oil for dogs is effective in many ways. Let's discuss its benefits by understanding the important constituents in it:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

These 3 important constituents of fish oil make it an obvious choice for maintaining your pet's dog health. The omega 3 fatty acids are a requirement for the proper functioning of the various cells the dog's body. The eyes, the brain, nervous system, hormones and organs all require adequate levels of fats in the body. The omega-3 fatty acids in the fish oil help to reduce the bad cholesterol levels and problems of blood pressures. EPA , the omega fatty acid has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the body from developing arthritis, cystitis etc. Fish oil is beneficial for dogs in ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. By strengthening the immune system, fish oil prevents the dogs from auto-immune related diseases. Besides these, the omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help the nervous system of dogs, leading to improved grasping power and intelligence while training and other purposes.

For Dogs with Cancer
Studies have revealed that dogs that are fed with high doses of fish oil have better control over cancer cell proliferation. The benefits of omega acids are phenomenal and dogs that have been fed by fish oil for considerable time, have shown reduced risk of developing cancer.

For Dog Allergies
Many dogs have allergies related to skin. Proper amount of fish oil can help the dogs to reduce the risk of dog allergies. It has been found that along with the fish oil, dogs may also need a supplement of GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid that helps the skin to become better. While treating dogs for allergies, with fish oil, you need to be patient as it may take 2 - 3 weeks to notice prominent changes on the skin.

For Dog Skin
Dry skin is a common problem among dogs and fish oil has been found to be very effective in curing the dry skin problems in dogs. The omega-3 constituents help the skin tissues to heal and improve the circulatory system of the dog. Fish oil is good for dogs as the omega 3s are easily broken by the digestive system of the dog.

Undoubtedly, fish oil is very beneficial for dogs. However, the amount of doses must be determined by an expert veterinarian. You can go for the check up of your dog and after analyzing its health, the veterinarian will advise proper dosage of fish oil in your dog's food. As we can see, there are various advantages of fish oil for pet dogs and it is recommended in their diets. The issue of side effects of fish oil in dog's diet have been rarely reported, however, as aforementioned, consulting a veterinarian and taking proper dog care is always safe.

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Full Grown Puggles

A puggle is a cross between a pug and a beagle. As it is a crossbreed between two popular show-dogs, it is known as a designer dog. Wallace Havens first bred and named a puggle in the 1990s. It is one of the most popular breeds of dogs today, owned by many celebrities.

Puggles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club as they are not purebred dogs. However, they are registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club. Although people claim that puggles are superior breed dogs and are specially bred under observation, they are considered as mutt. Puggles, are nonetheless, one of the most loved pet dog breeds in the world.

Physical Features


Full grown puggles usually stand 10-15 inches tall, and weigh between 15-30 pounds. Their life span is for 10-15 years. They come in a variety of colors, ranging from black, brown, fawn, white, or even multicolored. They have short hair, and do not shed as much as other breeds of dogs. Just like their parent breeds, i.e., pug and beagle, puggles also have short legs, drooping ears, thickset body and a smooth and shiny coat. They have large, dark and prominent eyes and a black muzzle. They usually have a curled tail.

Temperament

Puggles are energetic and intelligent. They are gentle, lovable, affectionate and get along well with people, especially children. They require a lot of attention. Puggles are independent (may not always be ready to please you) and can also be, at times, mischievous. They are constantly in need of activity and are happy with frequent playtime, running and outings. Therefore, they are called ideal pets for a family.


Now, it is essential to note here that not all puggles display a sweet playful temperament. The nature of a crossbreed depends entirely on the type of genes he has inherited from his parents. Therefore, they may sometimes display traits completely similar to one parent, while in other cases, they may have a mixture of the two. You may even come across a proud, non-cooperative and hard-to-train puggle.

Puggles are not guard dogs and will rarely show aggression. They are energetic and are hardly found to laze around. However, as they suffer from breathing problems, make sure that you do not let them undertake strenuous physical activity.

Training

Training puggles can sometimes be challenging. Although they are playful, they can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement, a lot of patience and persistence is required to train them. If not trained properly, they can be excessively stubborn and disobedient. Puggles bark less frequently as compared to other breed of dogs, but, they tend to howl. They tend to bark and howl a lot when left alone for a long time.

Care

Daily exercise or physical activity is necessary for puppies as well as full grown puggles. They are known as low-maintenance dogs as they hardly require any special treatment. They require the regular maintenance as bath, nail clipping, etc.


Many puggles are found to suffer from stenotic nares (or pinched nostrils), and may suffer from noisy breathing, snorting, snoring, etc. They are also sensitive to extreme heat and cold, and hence, should be protected form it. They are prone to colds and wheezing. You can consult the vet and have a diet plan drawn for your puggle.

Puggles love attention and should not be left alone for long. It is not recommended to put them outdoors or in a lonely place. They love adoration; show them love and they will return it.

Because of their sweet temper and playful nature, puggles are good to have around. If you are thinking of buying one, do not hesitate as they will be ideal pets for your family. Lastly, it is recommended to make a thorough research on the health conditions of the pet before buying one.

* Disclaimer: All dogs belonging to a same breed do not exhibit all perfectly similar characteristics. Those mentioned above are general characteristics.

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Heat Stroke in Dogs

A heat stroke is one of the most severe medical condition which may hit your dog. This is the reason why, when you are aware of its symptoms, you get ample time to act and address the issue before things get out of your hands. In case you are not aware, canines do not sweat. So, on hot, humid days, when their body temperature rises, they increase their respiratory rate to get rid of the excess heat that has built up in their bodies. In some cases, dogs remain unable to pant fast enough to expel this heat. And when this happens, the body temperature shoots up to alarmingly high levels causing heat exhaustion in dogs. This is when heat stroke sets in dogs. The normal body temperature in canines is 101 F. When a heat stroke begins to set in, this temperature increases to 104-106 F. This indicates a moderate case. If the condition is not addressed with immediate medical intervention, then it does not take long for it to become severe, raising the body temperature over 106 F. In such cases, you only have a handful of minutes to save your pet's life.

Causal Factors of Heat Stroke In Canines

As it has been described in the above segment, when dogs are exposed to hot and humid conditions, they become vulnerable to be hit by a heat stroke. Being left in a hot car, exercising strenuously in hot weather, playing under direct sunlight without shade, being in a kennel outside in excessive heat, and the like, are some common causes of dogs suffering from a heat stroke. Breeds like pugs and bulldogs, due to shorter anatomy of their nose, stay more vulnerable to this condition, as they do not find it easy to increase their rate of panting, in order to lower their body temperature.

Important Symptoms

The very first symptom which is indicative of heat stroke in dogs is excessive panting. If you notice your pet to pant more than usual, it must give you enough reason to suspect that a heat stroke has started to set in. Accompanying this symptom of dog stroke, there might be others such as bright red tongue, pale discoloration of the gums, unresponsiveness when his name is called, thick saliva and vomiting. Due to obvious reasons, there would occur difficulties in breathing and heart rate would increase by a sharp rate. More severe signs of this condition may include collapsing and coma. These couple of symptoms indicate that the condition has progressed to a near-fatal stage, post which death may be the only occurrence.

Course of Treatment

As soon as you get a hint about any of these symptoms of strokes in dogs, act immediately to move your pet away from the sun and from the car. Bring him to a shady place. Soak some cloth or rags in cool water and place them on the animal, to begin the process of cooling. It is extremely important to keep in mind that ice-cold or very cold water must never be used while tackling with heat strokes in dogs. Extreme cold, instead of treating the condition, may make it worse. Using ice-cold water may constrict the blood vessels and this may actually cause the internal temperature to rise further. Moreover, exposure to extreme cold causes a fatal condition known as hypothermia. Thereafter, offer your pet a cool drink of water. Again, not ice-cold! Do not force him to drink it though. Take your pet to a vet for a checkup in case you have any doubts about his condition.

These measures help in keeping the condition of heat stroke in dogs from reaching an irreversible stage, but temporarily. So, even if your pet seems better and is not showing any of the symptoms described above, you must not ignore the importance of taking him to a vet right away. This is because, there may stay a lurking risk of internal damage which may not be visible to you.

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Skin Infections in Dogs

They are one best friend who will never leave your side no matter what, who will listen to all your complaints without a word, who will bear all your brunt and who will love you unconditionally. They are the dogs. They truly are a man's best friend. Everyone wants a dog; to guard their house at night, to give them company and for many other reasons. But are you aware of the fact that if you do not take proper care of your dogs, they might suffer from certain skin diseases? These diseases, if not treated on time, may even be fatal for your dog. So if you are worried whether the tiny rash that your dog has on his leg is any infection or not, then just read further about the skin infections in dogs.

Why Dogs have Skin Infections?

The dog's fur is one of the main reason why they suffer from skin infections. Whenever they get wet, the fur prevents the moisture from drying up and also blocks air flow. Thus, their skin becomes more prone to various infections. Besides this, whenever they have a small cut on their body, dogs tends to bite it or lick it. This might cause their skin to break and bacteria starts accumulating on the wound.

Common Infections

Your dog, due to the above reasons, might suffer from various infections which might be fungal, bacterial, parasitic, allergic or even hormonal. For your convenience, some of the common infections have been listed below, as per their causes.

Pyodermas
The main cause for bacterial infection is usually the Staphylococci or the Staph Bacteria. They are most common bacteria present when a dog suffers from bacterial infection. Humans are however, not at the risk of suffering from this bacterial infection. The signs that a dog suffering from this kind of bacterial infection shows are,

• Itchiness
• Yellow pustules
• Red and ulcerated skin
• Loss of hair
• Odor

The whole body of the dog might be infected, but usually, it's the trunk part which is more prone to this bacterial disease. The pyoderma may also occur between the toes and on the calluses of the elbows of the dog. In young puppies, it usually occurs in the abdominal areas.

The treatment of this infection are:

• Removal of the hair from around the effected area and bathing the dog with antibiotic shampoos such as benzoyl peroxide.
• Dry the dog properly and then apply an antibiotic ointment on the effected area.
• Cover the area with bandages or apply a collar in that area so that your dog does not lick that area and infect it more.
• Some of these bacterial infections might require corrective surgeries.
• Continue the antibiotics and make follow-up visits to the veterinarian.

Ringworm
Fungal infections in dogs are mainly due to two kinds of fungi - Microsporum and Trichophyton. The signs commonly associated with this infection are hair loss in circular patches. Crusty and dry appearance at the center of the patch is also observed. The head and the legs of the dogs are mainly effected by these fungi. But, if the disease is not treated, they might spread to the whole body. The treatment includes removing the hair around the effected area and washing it off with a fungicidal shampoo. Dry up the dog properly. These fungal diseases are contagious to humans specially children, so be careful. Keep the dogs away from children and adults and do wash your hands after treating the dog.

Allergies
Itchy skin, nasal and eye discharges, sneezing, improper digestion or skin lesions are some of the common signs of dog allergies. The causes are:

• Hypersensitivity reaction to the allergy causing substance or the 'allergens'.
• Most common of the allergy infection is the 'flea saliva'.
• Single flea from an allergic dog can cause these allergic infections.
• Cold winter seasons are the time when this kind of infection usually occurs in dogs.

The treatments are:

• Allergies are mainly controlled and very few are cured.
• Vets usually use antihistamines and corticosteroids to reduce the itching.
• Hyposensitization or immunotherapy is another procedure to control the allergies in dogs.

Thus in this way you can treat the allergy causing infections in dogs.

Parasitic Infection
The main causes of it are dog fleas, ear mites, ticks and lice. The signs that a dog with parasitic skin infection usually shows are:

• Itching, hair loss and crusty skin.
• Usually they occur on the ears, the front legs, chest and the abdomen region.

So how would you treat these kinds of parasitic infections in dogs?

• Clip the area which has been affected and wash it with an antiseptic.
• Ear mites in the ears can be treated by cleaning the ear when the dog is sedated. Let your veterinarian carry out the dog ear infection treatments. Follow this by using special solutions to kill the mites.
• You can also use sprays, shampoos, flea collars, powders, etc. to treat parasites like lice, ticks and fleas.

Hormonal Infections
These infections are usually hard to diagnose. Hormones are produced by the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, the pituitary gland, the testicles and the ovaries. If excess or less hormone secretion takes place, then you might notice a change in the skin and hair coat of your dog. The skin usually becomes thicker or thinner, as per the hormone secretion. Color of the skin or fur of the dog may also undergo a change. Hormonal infections are more serious than other skin infections. Hypothyroidism may be diagnosed through proper blood test, but others maybe difficult to diagnose and treat.

If your dog is showing any of these signs, then take him to the veterinarian immediately. If these skin infections are ignored, they might prove fatal and treating the health condition is important to save your loyal friend.

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Sheep Breeds Endemic to the United Kingdom - The Suffolk

British Sheep Breeds

The Suffolk

The Suffolk sheep breed was recognised as a distinct breed as early as 1810. It is one of Great Britain's indigenous breeds. The Suffolk is a mix of Southdown rams and Norfolk Horned ewes. Unlike many such crosses, the progeny were a vast improvement on the parents. Originally these sheep were known as Southdown Norfolks or just as 'Black Faces'.

Southdowns in 1930 were large sheep with dark faces and legs, long necks and fine bones. They were also polled. While the ribs were reasonably well sprung, the forequarters were light. They had a fairly broad loin and a full, meaty thigh. Today's Suffolk has retained the meatiness and wool quality of its Southdown progenitors.

As a contrast to the Southdown, the Norfolk Horned sheep was black-faced, horned and wild. It was a light though robust sheep and inhabited the upland regions of the rugged south-east coast of England. It was endemic to the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridge. Because the area was so dry, cold and windy, feed was scarce and the sheep travelled long distances to find enough food. They were muscular and strong with long legs and flat sides.

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Luckily, the Southdown/Norfolk Horned cross inherited the better points of each parent. In 1886 the English Suffolk Society was formed followed by the publication of the first flock book in 1887. A rotational system of farming was in vogue at the time. Sheep were grazed on grass or clover over the summer then, after weaning, the ewes would forage on stubble or the salt marshes. When due to lamb in February or March, a hurdle shelter or hurdle and straw shelter was erected in the field to give the ewes some protection.

The Suffolk was exported to the United States in 1888, Ireland in 1891, Scotland in 1895 and Wales in 1901. It soon found its way to Germany, Russia, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Americas and the colonies.

The first Suffolks to go to the United States were imported by Mr G B Streeter who had been very impressed with the breed on a visit to England. He had a 200% lambing that spring so was probably quite satisfied with his purchase. In 1919, the University of Idaho played a major role in promoting and dispersing the Suffolk through the western states.

The modern Suffolk is recognised as a superior terminal sire for producing top quality market lambs. They have also had a hand in developing new breeds such as the White Suffolk and South Suffolk. The White Suffolk (generally a Suffolk/Poll Dorset cross) eliminates the risk of wool clip contamination by black or dark fibres. The South Suffolk (Suffolk/Southdown cross) was developed to produce a leaner carcass.

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The Suffolk has a longish, robust body indicative of breeds that are good converters of grass to meat. They have good longevity, efficient feed conversion, lamb easily and are also low maintenance. Ewes weigh 180 to 250 pounds and rams are heavier at 250 to 350 pounds. Ewes yield a fleece of some 5 to 8 pounds with the staple measuring 2 to 3.5 inches. The medium type wool has a spinning count of 48 to 58.

The Suffolk is an attractive sheep with a black, polled head, and is wrinkle free with a convex profile and deep jaw. Thick, fine hair covers the head, the muzzle is long and smooth and the ears long and shaped like a bell. The eyes are full and bright.

The skin is soft and pink and the wool is dense and white with no traces of black or dark fibres. The belly is well covered with wool but there is no wool below the knees or hocks. The black legs are straight and set at each corner of the animal without being 'outside the square'. The feet point straight ahead and the hind legs should track equally as wide as the forelegs. The neck is of a medium length and the chest is wide and deep with plenty of heart and lung room. The ewe should have sufficient barrel and wide well-sprung ribs to carry multiple embryos. The loin is wide and long as is the rump and the thigh is broad and full.

Attractiveness is not enough in a sheep. Luckily for the Suffolk, as well as being remarkably handsome, it has an enviable reputation as a producer of prime lambs.

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Natures Spare Parts - All About The Platypus

When the platypus started being introduced to the world outside of its natural habitat, many people thought it was a joke. Who could blame them? The platypus truly looks like someone put a bunch of different parts on a beaver or water rat.

The platypus is a duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed mammal that still today baffled many. This odd creature is primarily found on the eastern bits of Australia and Tasmania. It has continued to confuse naturalists from since its discovery of 1798.

The platypus is considered a mammal, but it was heavily debated when it was discovered. While it has many mammalian qualities, it is one of few mammal species that lays eggs when it reproduces. Reproduction via egg laying is usually reserved for bird and reptiles. This makes them part of a very small monotreme group of mammals who lay eggs.

However, like mammals, the females produce milk to feed their young. This is a defining mammalian trait as mammal stems from the word mammary, which is a gland mammals including humans use to feed their young. Unlike mammals' mammaries though the female platypus does not feed via teats. She secrets milk via holes in her abdomen and the pups lick it as it from pools in the abdomen.

Platypuses will only lay around 1 to 3 eggs per year making they inefficient breeders. However, even with their limited reproduction ability, these animals are surprisingly not threatened. They were hunted up until the 1900's for their furs, but Australia made hunting them illegal in 1905.

Today the only real threat that platypus has to its species is ever increasing water pollution, they are surprisingly sensitive to chemical runoff in water. They also have been known to become caught in fishing nets, get tangled and drown.

Like most mammals, the platypus still needs to surface and breath. When they swim, they close their eyes, ears, and nostrils. They propel themselves by dog paddling with their forefeet and use their large tail and back feet for steering and braking. Fun fact about their front feet, while swimming they are webbed, however on land the webbing recedes and reveals large broad claws used for digging burrows and aiding them in walking.

If the platypus are a carnivorous animal, how do they hunt when they shut off their eyesight and sense of smell. Perhaps the most interesting part of about this animal is how they track prey. They use the help of electric signals from their bodies created by muscle contractions and have sensors in their flexible and leathery duck bills. Using these sensors, they hunt shrimp, worms, flies, insects, and small river creatures.

Each day the platypus must consume one quarter of their total weight and will spend up to twelve hours doing so. However, on average they weigh about 3 pounds, but because they eat such small animals that are in high in calories, this is usually not a difficult feat to accomplish. They are also capable of storing up fat in their large beaver-like tails in case food is scarce.

Like beavers, the platypus digs burrows where it sleeps away most of the day and leaves at night to hunt, making them nocturnal. The males and females will mate in the water, but the females will lay their eggs inside of their burrows. The pups are then born blind and hairless.

One strange thing about platypus pups is that they are born with small teeth. This is thought to be trait left behind from their ancestors as fossilized platypus teeth have been found starting as far back as 100,000 years ago. These teeth fall out of the pups within weeks and are no longer present in adults. The adult crew their food by grinding it in their duck bill. They are also capable of storing food within their cheeks.

Other than their appearance, one of the strangest things about the platypus is that it is also venomous. While the females lack the ability to deliver venom, the males have a sharp dew claw like spines on their hind legs that are capable of stinging and delivering venom. To date there has been no deaths in humans from their venom, but those who have experienced it say it is excruciatingly painful. This venom is lethal to smaller animals, but it not powerful enough to kill a human.

This venom is used to deter and fight back against the predators that would like to make the platypus lunch. These include hawks, eagles, snakes, owls, and crocodiles. With all these vicious predators hunting them, the mortality rate of the platypus in the wild is fairly high.

To date the oldest platypus that lived in captivity reached the ripe age of 17 years old. However, you can only find this animal in zoos only in Australia. There have been attempts to transfer this animal to zoos around the world throughout the 1900's, but as it turns out, they do not travel well. Though some would argue that Australia is just keeping them to protect their tourism for those that wish to see this odd creature. However, four platypuses have been shipped the US around the 1940's, but all of them died within a few months. One was sent to the UK during World War 2, but it died shortly before arrival. This suggests that keeping platypuses in Australia is less about protecting their tourism and more about the fact that they have been so utterly unsuccessful in it.

There is also a distinct shortage of platypuses that are bred in captivity. As well as having such a low reproduction rate, they are extremely picky when it comes to reproducing. However, this feat has been accomplished via simulated stream and river environments contained in tanks.

In conclusion, the platypus is truly intriguing and mysterious creature. What with having the bill of a duck, tail and body of a beaver, feet like an otter, lay eggs like a bird or reptile, and produce milk like a mammal. Because they are not present in captivity outside of Australia, they will continue to mystify and intrigue people across the globe as nature's weirdo.

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Enlarged Prostate in Dogs

Myth Buster!

Most people shy away from getting their dogs neutered or spayed because the operation will make them fat and lazy. This is a myth. Only inadequate exercise and overfeeding does that.Just as in humans, the prostate gland in dogs functions to provide nourishment to the sperm, and enhances its motility so that it is fit for fertilization. A common problem with this gland is its abnormal growth causing it to enlarge and give rise to unpleasant urinary symptoms. This condition is known as prostatomegaly, and its risk increases with age and is most common in uncastrated canines. Neutered dogs, on the other hand, are less likely to have this condition.

Prostate enlargement in canines may indicate...

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
This is the most common form of prostatomegaly in dogs. A benign and symmetrical enlargement of the prostate gland, BPH is triggered by the release of the sex hormone testosterone. This hormone triggers an increase in and size of prostate cells which enlarges the prostate gland. Vets have mostly found this problem only in uncastrated dogs.

Prostatitis
Uncastrated male dogs also have a high predisposition to prostatitis - inflammation of the prostate gland caused by bacterial infection. The infection could be acute or chronic. The chronic form is known for causing infertility in affected animals.

Prostate Cancer
While the above two conditions are more likely to occur in uncastrated dogs, prostate cancer can affect even neutered ones. This condition, however, is rare in canines. Prostate enlargement caused by cancer is usually asymmetric.

Symptoms

Depending on what has caused the condition, symptoms may vary. Common symptoms that surface include:

Constipation (the enlarged prostate keeps pressing against the rectum)

Fecal straining (the dog strains to defecate but it only adds to the pressure on the enlarged prostate)

Flat stool (due to compressed space, the stool attains a flat shape while it is excreted)

Abnormal gait (to avoid pressure on the prostate gland; people call it "walking on eggs")

Occurrence of symptoms like fever, blood in urine, vomiting, loose stools, and painful urination are strong indications of prostatitis

Prostatomegaly caused by prostate cancer may have the same symptoms as listed above. However, symptoms that may actually indicate the cancer usually surface in advanced stages of the disease.

Treatment

Not all dogs with BPH suffer from urinary discomfort or distress and so, treatment is recommended for dogs who do. This approach is called "watchful waiting". Recommended treatment is neutering as it shrinks the enlarged prostate gland thereby relieving the discomforting symptoms. As neutering will leave the animal infertile, some dog owners do not prefer this method. In such cases, there are medicines that help shrink the enlarged gland temporarily without affecting fertility. Such medicines, however, have their own share of side effects and owners must discuss them with a vet.

For dealing with prostatitis, long-term antibiotic therapy is needed. In case of prostate cancer, by the time the cancer is diagnosed it is already advanced; this happens in most cases. But the usual method of treatment includes surgery and radiation. While neutering helps prevent and cure BPH, it has no such effect on cancer.

Neutering - the Best Prevention
The basic definition of neutering in animals is to remove the organs which are responsible for reproduction. This practice is considered to be the most effective when performed on the animals before they are 6 months of age. This process prevents the prostate gland to develop as there is no production of testosterone. A matured male dog, when neutered, will have the gland shrink to about 1/4th of its previous size. So if the prostate does not increase in size, which it normally does, there will be minimal possibility of prostatomegaly.

Neutering has other benefits apart from decreasing the risk of prostate enlargement. A neutered dog will be less susceptible to perineal hernias or penile tumors. The dog will be less aggressive, less territorial, relatively calmer than uncastrated canines, and less prone to contagious diseases as he would be least interested in pursuit of females in heat. Most dog owners vouch for the fact that neutered canines are more affectionate.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a qualified vet.

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Dog Years to Human Years

"He looked at me with those tawny eyes,
And knew instantly, the truth from the lies.
He had the wisdom of 25 seers combined,
After all, one year of his life was almost 15 years of mine."

No prizes for guessing what I'm talking about. Yes, it's probably the most confusing comparison that we've always tried to understand. It's the dog years to human years ratio. If you're one of those who does not know that how many dog years equal human years, there's nothing to be ashamed of. You have enough company. So read ahead to know the right answer.

Factors Affecting the Ratio of Dog Years to Human Years
Many people (including me, until quite recently) are of the opinion that 1 dog year = 7 human years. Guess what! This is in fact wrong. Read ahead to know how a dog's age is actually calculated and what affects its age.

• Size of Dog: The size and type of dog matters as far as its age is concerned. A small dog is likely to live longer than a larger dog. They live 1.5 times longer than large dogs.
• Neutering of Dog: Dog neutering also affects how we compare the ratio. A neutered dog is less prone to prostate cancer, which in turn, increases its life expectancy.
• Gender of Dog: On an average, female dogs live longer than male dogs. The life expectancy of female dogs is 1-3 years more than males.
• Breed and Weight of Dog: Comparing dog years to human years by breed is another factor that affects the ratio. Some breeds have a longer life expectancy than others. Light dogs of big breeds live longer than heavy dogs of a smaller breed. For example, an Affenpinscher (small, heavy breed) will live only for about 10-12 years, while a Doberman Pinscher (large, light weight) goes on to live for about 15-20 years.
• Constitution and Living Conditions: Some dogs, just like humans, have a stronger and more resistant constitution. This has an effect on the life expectancy. Also, proper dog care like how and what it is fed, when and how it is cleaned, vaccinated, etc., play an important part in maintaining its health, preventing illnesses and increasing your dog's life expectancy.

Why is 1 Dog Year 7 Human Years
Given below is a simple explanation of why the ratio of dog years to human years is not 1:7.

• Dogs mature earlier than humans.
• A dog matures, both physically and sexually within the first year of being born, as compared to almost 15 years of a human being (general life expectancy being 75 years).
• This means that it takes the dog 1/5th of the time that it takes a human to mature.
• So, it's logical to say that the first year of the dog's life is equal to the first 15 years of the human being's (15/75 ).
• And if we say so, then the remaining 14 years of the dog's life are equal to the remaining 60 years of the human being's life. Which then makes the dog years to human years conversion to 14/60 which comes to around 1/4. This means that every remaining dog year is equal to 4 human years.

Thus, you can see how there is no way 1 dog year = 7 human years.

Dog Years to Human Years Chart

Dog Years	Human Years
1 Year	15 Years
2 Years	23 Years
3 Years	29 Years
4 Years	32 Years
5 Years	38 Years
6 Years	40 Years
7 Years	44 Years
8 Years	48 Years
9 Years	52 Years
10 Years	56 Years

*This chart has used the above-mentioned method and assumed the weight of the dog to be approximately 20 lbs.

This was one of the simplest ways to understand the relationship between dog years and human years. Remember, this method only takes into account the life span. For a more accurate calculation, other factors like the ones mentioned above should also be considered. So go ahead, calculate!

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Digestive Enzymes for Dogs

Enzymes are organic catalysts that initiate or increase chemical reactions in the body, including digestion, tissue repair, energy generations, etc. For digestion, commonly two types of enzymes are used - the digestive enzymes that come from the food eaten and the enzymes that are produced internally by digestive organs like pancreas. Natural digestive enzymes are essential for good dog health and longevity. These enzymes break down the food so that our body can effectively utilize the nutrients required to perform bodily activities. Unlike human digestive system in which the digestion starts as soon as the saliva comes in contact with the food, dogs do not have the same digestive enzymes in their saliva, and so have to rely on the enzymes available in their food and produced by the body.

How do Digestive Enzymes Works?

Digestive enzymes are excessively found in dog foods that have not been cooked over 118 F. Therefore, food especially in its natural uncooked state, contains a high level of digestive enzymes that can greatly aid in the digestion process. When raw, uncooked food is eaten, chewing ruptures the cell membranes of the food and releases necessary digestive enzymes present in the food cells. At the same time, pancreas also secretes the right quantities and concentrations of digestive enzymes that help in digestion. These enzymes include:

• Protease: Enzymes responsible for breaking down polypeptides (proteins) into amino acids.
• Lipase: Enzymes that help breaking down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
• Amylase: Enzymes responsible for decomposing carbohydrates (starches and other polysaccharides) to sucrose, lactose, and maltose.
• Cellulase: Enzymes capable of decomposing fiber.

Benefits

Along with aiding in healthy food digestion and nutrient absorption, digestive enzymes for dogs also help in:

• Improving immune system
• Eliminating or reducing the habit of eating stool, called coprophagia
• Minimizing the risks of developing various degenerating disease like osteoarthritis, and toxin build-up
• Enhancing T-cell production, cells that help fighting cancer
• Promoting weight loss

Side Effects Due to Depleted Digestive Enzymes

If there are inadequate digestive enzymes present in the food, the entire digestive burden gets transferred to the dog's body, which forces the body to produce more digestive enzymes. As a result, there is an over-stressed digestive system which eventually causes improper food digestion and nutrient malabsorption. Further it may lead to undigested proteins, fats and carbohydrates that promote the growth of unwanted bacteria which eventually disturbs the delicate balance of intestinal microbes. This leads to:

• Bloating and gas accumulation in the stomach
• Canine diarrhea
• Bad breath and body odor
• Lethargy and sluggishness
• Weak immune system
• Arthritis like osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, etc.
• Skin problems like hot spots
• Cancer and premature aging

Hence, to overcome all these dog health problems, it is recommended to provide enzyme supplementation to the dogs for optimal digestion and toxin elimination. Digestive enzymes supplements are specifically beneficial for dogs who are fed cooked or processed food, suffering from digestive problems or disorders. Older dogs or dogs under stress who tend to produce reduced amounts of digestive enzymes, can also benefit from probiotics digestive enzymes. Dogs having weak immune system and suffering systemic yeast infections or thyroid problems like hypothyroidism in dogs should also be provided with enzyme supplements to over come dog illnesses or ailments.

Research shows that supplements for digestive enzymes for dogs are extremely safe and cause no side effects. Since these supplements increase the dog's ability to break down the food into nutritious components which keep their intestinal microflora in balance, providing digestive enzymes supplements to the dogs will help them attain a healthier lifestyle.

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Malamute Dogs

Malamute dogs are commonly kept as house pets and show dogs. Similar to wolf in external appearances, these dogs are loyal and make obedient pets. The males and females are marked by sharp differences in their size. Based on the rearing condition, they may weigh somewhere between 34-41 kg, while measuring a shoulder height of about 23-25 inches. However, the giant Alaskan malamute dogs are heavyweight, about 54 kg. The best part about these dogs is that they love to have people around them, making them ideal family dogs.

Information about Malamute Dogs

Coming to the origin of this dog breed, giant malamute dogs are specifically bred from Arctic working dog for use as sled dogs in Alaska. Hence, the name Alaskan malamute. Largest of all types of Arctic dogs, they are renowned for hauling heavy weights over large distance, that too in an even pace. No wonder, they are still used for hauling goods and sledding purposes. Here are some malamute dogs facts, which you ought to know before owning this dog breed as pet:

Description
Alaskan malamute dogs come in shades of red and white, gray and white, sable and white, black and white and at times, solid white. The fur length ranges from 1-3 inches. Every time, you will notice the plumed tail holding on its back. The head is large with almond shaped eyes and erect ears. The eyes are either blue or brown shades; out of which brown eyed ones are purebred dogs. In most cases, the legs are white with large feet.

Grooming
Similar to their ancestors, these dogs exhibit primitive behavior and characters (to some extent). They are independent and resourceful, which make training a difficult task for this dog breed. Nevertheless, with fun dog grooming ideas and innovative methods, malamutes will behave well. Including socializing activities and obedience training in the program is imperative for malamute dogs.

Temperament
Malamute puppies and dogs are very intelligent. They show affection towards their owners and smaller pets. Regular exercise and outdoor activities keep them going, otherwise malamute dogs tend to get irritated and cause nuisance to the house. In short, they are not suitable for apartments. When groomed properly, they become very friendly with humans, which is an unsuitable trait for serving as guard dogs.

Food
Malamutes are voracious eaters. No doubt, they are not choosy and devour on everything what is being fed. But, this eating habit makes these dogs prone to become overweight. Ultimately, they are at a higher risk of weight related health problems. So, as a responsible pet owner, you need to keep a check on the type of dog food and serving size, while feeding your malamute dogs.

Health Problems
According to medical data, malamutes are prone to bloating, cataracts, heart defects, chondrodysplasia and hip dysplasia. As mentioned already, malamute dogs require outdoor activities on a regular basis. Failure to do so will cause boredom and weight problems. Though they have the reputation of being clean and odor free dogs, occasional shampooing and regular coat brushing are necessary to minimize skin conditions. Given proper care, they live for 12-15 years

As you now know the characteristics and special attributes of malamute dogs, you can decide whether rearing them is a good decision for you or not. If you certainly want to own one, look out for cute malamute dog names, like astral, bounty, geisha, honey, vesta, etc. Give them lots of love and optimal dog care, and malamutes will surely make your best companion.

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